Your appointment
Kids physiotherapy designed around your child
We know that visiting a new healthcare provider can feel like a big step. At PhysKids, we make the process as straightforward, comfortable and useful as possible from the moment you get in touch.
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Every child comes to us for a different reason, so every appointment looks a little different too. Your physiotherapist will take the time to understand what is happening, assess your child in a way that suits their age and needs and explain what they recommend from there.
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Whether your child is a baby reaching their first milestones, a young person with complex needs or a teenager recovering from an injury, our kids physiotherapy appointments are tailored to the individual child.
What to expect
Before your first appointment, we'll ask you to provide some information about your child and the reason you're coming to see us. This gives your physiotherapist an understanding of your concerns before you arrive.
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At the appointment, we'll talk with you about what's been happening, what you've noticed and what you'd like your child to be able to do.
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We'll then assess your child. Exactly what this involves depends on their age and the reason for their appointment. With a baby, for example, we may observe how they move, play and respond to different positions. An older child experiencing balance difficulties may complete age-appropriate movement and balance assessments. For an injury or orthopaedic concern, we may assess areas such as movement, strength, range of motion and body position.
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Once we've completed the assessment, we'll explain what we've found, what it means and what we recommend next.
Appointment length
Your initial kids physiotherapy appointment will generally take around 45 minutes.
We'll usually begin with a conversation about your child's needs and your concerns before moving into the physical assessment.
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Depending on what we find, we'll then discuss your options and recommend a treatment plan. This could involve exercises to complete at home followed by a review appointment, regular physiotherapy sessions, rehabilitation, casting or another form of treatment.
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Where ongoing physiotherapy is recommended, we'll work with you to establish clear goals for your child. We'll regularly review their progress against these goals and adjust their treatment plan as needed.
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The aim is for you to leave your first appointment understanding what we've found, what we're working towards and what happens next.
The right environment
Some children love coming into a new clinic. Others need a little more time.
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If your child finds unfamiliar environments challenging, expresses behavioural challenges or doesn't communicate verbally, you don't need to worry about how they'll behave at their appointment.
Our team has extensive experience working with children with different abilities, behaviours and communication styles.
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You know your child best, so we'll ask you what helps them feel comfortable and engaged and adapt the appointment where we can. If you're concerned before your first visit, you're also welcome to let us know so we can discuss how best to support your child.
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In some circumstances, we may even determine that another environment, such as hydrotherapy through Flipper Academy, may be more suitable for them.
Follow-up appointments
Follow-up appointments are generally 30 or 45 minutes, depending on your child's treatment plan and what will be most useful for them.
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Your sessions will focus on your child's individual goals and may include exercises, play-based activities, movement practice, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning or other treatment appropriate to their needs.
We'll also regularly check your child's progress and talk with you about whether their treatment plan needs to change.
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Where appropriate, we'll give you exercises, strategies or activities to continue between appointments so that you and your child have practical ways to keep working towards their goals at home.
How to book
You don't need a referral to see a physiotherapist at PhysKids.
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Simply send us an enquiry with some basic information about your child and what you're looking for help with. We'll then contact you to arrange your child's first appointment.
Referrals
We accept referrals from GPs, paediatricians, other healthcare and allied health professionals and work alongside NDIS coordinators for children with managed funding.
Fees
The cost of your child's appointment will depend on the type and length of service they require.
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PhysKids provides a current price guide so you can understand the costs associated with your child's care before booking.
Funding
PhysKids accepts privately paying clients as well as eligible self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.
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At present, PhysKids is not a registered NDIS provider, which means we are unable to provide NDIS-funded services to participants whose plans are agency-managed.
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Please check back soon as we are looking to registered in the near future.
